Mede8er 500X2, Pioneer VSX 520K And Optoma HD20 Problem

[veez]

Hi Guys

Was wondering if anyone can help me out

My current setup is a MED500X hooked up to a Pioneer VSX 520K amp using the AMPS HDMI switch feature and then out to a Optoma HD20 Projector

I wanted an upgrade so i bought a 500X2

i simply replaced the 500X with the 500X2 and then all the problems started

The unit starts up fine but the projector keeps dropping the video signal every couple of seconds

I managed to drop the resolution to 480p and that works fine

I then plugged it into the Room tv and did a firmware update to v2.0.7 (it already had this version on so i did it again anyway)

In the room i'm able to view everything fine on 1080p 60hz

Why does my 500X work fine with my setup but the 500X2 doesn't ?

Should i just return the 500X2 and get something else maybe ?

Please help

[Maasbommel]

Do you see the same issue if you connect your X2 directly to your Projector in stead of going by the amp?
Just to get an idea if it could be some setting on your amp?

[veez]

Hi Maasbommel

To be honest, i haven't tried that

I was so disappointed that it didn't work, i just tried the basic stuff and then packed it away again

I will give this a go and see

[veez]

K, did some testing

The cable going to the projector is pretty long, about 20 meters

It does the same thing even if i plug straight into the projector via the same cable

I plugged in my 500X again and that still works 100%

Is there a difference between the HDMI on a 500X and a 500X2 ?

[jer1956]

Yes..a huge dpendence upon HDCP and CEA-EDID data from the display. If you search  you will see this problem crops up with projectors..as their HDCP is nortorioulsy unrelaible.   Without HDCP handshaking you can get unexpected resolution chages to SD, or blank  screens.

[jer1956]

I suggest you go to the optoma forum and search for HDCP handshaking issues. There may be a firmware upgrade for the projector to improve things.

[veez]

Thanks jer1956

I will go and take a look

Is that specific to the 500X2 as my 500X works 100 % with the exact same setup ?

[jer1956]

I think someone with an X1 had this problem. It's all "tolerence" when things are unrealiable, as opposed to inoperative. So a differnet chip in the X2 could be enough to change the tolerence limits..and  trigger the problem.   

[veez]

Thanks

I did some research and HDCP Handshake issues appear to be pretty common

I can't seem to find any way of updating the firmware on the Projector

Do you know of a decent HDMI repeater that i can try ?

[jer1956]

The problem with this type of problem is that you need to try things before you buy..becuase they might not work.  It'a niche problem..so you pay more. The cost of a solution might as much as the Med itself.


http://www.gspr.com/transformative/te-hds12.html

[veez]

I know what you mean

Maybe i should just return the 500X2 and stick with the 500X 

I so wanted an upgrade, the 500X2 would be a waste in the room if i kept it

Thanks for the help

[jer1956]

Here is another solution:-
http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Cables/hdm.asp

[veez]

Thanks

The one i need is $499 lol

That is just crazy

What about Cat5/6 extenders

You think those will be okay

I see ebay has them for cheap

[jer1956]

something like this:-
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=9420

If you where building a home theater, the cost of these kinds of solutions is relatively cheap.  If your not speding thousands..they are expensive. They fix a known problem..lost of quality with long HDMI cables.

[veez]

Yip, something very similar to that

Something like the below

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-Extender-by-Cat5e-6-Cable-Full-HD-1080p-up-to-30-M-NEW-/110819188801?pt=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item19cd56a041

Do you think it will work better ?

I currently have 2 x 10m HDMI cables with the below joiner/repeater

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130FT-40M-1080p-1-65G-bps-Mini-HDMI-Repeater-Extender-Amplifier-Booster-HDCP-/180875324113?pt=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item2a1d026ad1